Public Safety offers reminders during Winter Storm Warning

Published: Monday, March 3, 2014 at 02:10 PM.

Once again, severe winter weather conditions are forecasted for our area. The Jacksonville Police Department offers the following suggestions to keep you and your family safe during the severe weather event.

As we have experienced earlier this season, low temperatures, precipitation and windy conditions will result in poor driving conditions on City roadways, especially on bridges and ramps. “Most of the crashes we investigated during this season’s earlier storms were directly related to the poor road conditions” said Lieutenant Sean Magill, JPD Field Operations Supervisor.

Once again, severe winter weather conditions are forecasted for our area. The Jacksonville Police Department offers the following suggestions to keep you and your family safe during the severe weather event.

As we have experienced earlier this season, low temperatures, precipitation and windy conditions will result in poor driving conditions on City roadways, especially on bridges and ramps. “Most of the crashes we investigated during this season’s earlier storms were directly related to the poor road conditions” said Lieutenant Sean Magill, JPD Field Operations Supervisor.

JPD Traffic Division Suggests:

· Stay home until road conditions improve.

· Venture out only if absolutely necessary

If you must drive:

· Drive at a slow speed, especially when approaching intersections

· Allow plenty of time to reach your destination

· Increase following distance – Double the normal distance in following the car in front of you

· Wear your seatbelt

· Slow and gentle turns and stops

· Beware of “black ice”

· Remember – Overpasses and bridges will freeze before roadways

“Winter driving isn’t just about snow; ice can be a real threat” stated Lieutenant Sean Magill. “In icy road conditions, reducing your speed is the single most important safety step you can take.”